The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday released the calendar of activities for the May 13, 2019 National and Local Elections (NLE).
Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10429 promulgated on Oct. 1, the campaign period for those running for senatorial seats and party-list groups is from Feb. 12 to May 11.
Meanwhile, the campaign period for members of the House of Representatives as well as regional, provincial, city, and municipal bets will be from March 29 to May 11.
It noted that campaigning is prohibited on April 18, 2019 (Holy Thursday) and April 19, 2019 (Good Friday).
The period for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) of all candidates in the forthcoming elections will be from Oct. 11 to 17, except on Oct. 13 (Saturday) and Oct. 14 (Sunday) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Comelec, however, explained that those planning to run for national positions should file their COCs at the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila while those seeking for local positions should be filed at the poll body offices in their city or municipality.
The period to file Certificates of Nomination and Certificates of Acceptance of Nomination for party-list groups is also set to run from Oct. 11-12 and Oct. 15-17.
The Comelec added that campaigning is prohibited on the eve of Election Day (May 12) and on Election Day.
The election period for the May 2019 midterm polls will be from January 13 to June 12.
During the said period, the commission prohibits the following: alteration of precincts or establishment of new precincts; carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons; use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates; transfer of officers and employees in the civil service; and suspension of any elective local officer.
Starting Nov. 30, 2018 until noon of Election Day, the substitute of an official candidate of a political party or coalition, who died or was disqualified by final judgment, may file their COC, provided that the substitute candidate and the substituted candidate have the same surname.
Counting and consolidation of votes will be conducted immediately after the casting of votes.
The Comelec resolution added that proclamation of winning senators, congressmen, regional, and provincial bets is projected to take place between May 17 to 19.
The last day for the filing of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures is on June 12. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
